Best practice for multi-language output

[TeSol]

Hi,

What is the best practice for multi-language Webhelp output? I need to have English and German Webhelp output. My client has recommended that I have a single project and 2 targets (one in English and one in German) within it. Where should I keep the translated German files in the project? (Translation will be done in Germany - I just need to provide the Webhelp output and they will replace the English content files with the German ones.)

Any pointers on how to go about this will be much appreciated.

Thanks

[RamonS]

You can keep it in the same project and use conditions on everything. With just two languages this will be manageable. I'd create two folders within the Content folder, one for English and one for Deutsch. That way it will be clearer to determine what is what just by the folder structure.
Is there a lot of common content such as images that are subject to change? If not, then there is really no benefit in keeping it all in one project, it is more a disadvantage as you need to make sure that the conditions are all properly set on everything, otherwise you get stuff mixed up. I'd create a second project for Deutsch and copy any common content once. I think it is less of a hassle that way.

[ChoccieMuffin]

I agree with Ramon, a separate project for each language is more manageable and maintainable.

[TeSol]

Thanks for the advice..

[SallyD]

While we're on the topic of translation and best practices, what's the best way to get an estimated word count from Flare for estimating?

Sally

[aburian]

While we're on the topic of translation and best practices, what's the best way to get an estimated word count from Flare for estimating?

Sally

You can probably just create a word output and use Word's word counter.

[techwriter31]

Another option is to create a blank report. Under the Project heading, check the Statistics checkbox. Then generate the report, and it should provide a word count. I'm assuming this is only a topic word count, and may not include translatable text from other files (TOCs, targets, etc.).